Taste & Aroma

White currants, and fennel seed/licorice intermixed with ripe grapefruit, honeyed melons and a touch of new oak are all present in this fresh, medium to full-bodied, nicely textured, crisp, dry white Graves. Anticipated maturity: now-2025.

Robert Parker on Feb 1st, 2012

Producer

I have been an admirer of the Pessac Léognan property, Château Fieuzal for many years, which is coming on leaps and bounds year-on-year due mainly to the huge investment from Irish owners Brenda and Lochlann Quinn who purchased the property back in 2001. The vineyard is now managed on a plot-by-plot basis. Essentially, this means that different grape varieties, grown in different parts of the vineyard, undergo tailored winemaking processes to avoid masking or muting their distinct flavours and aromas. In 2007 the Quinns hired a talented young winemaker to run the estate. Stephen Carrier (I spent a thoroughly enjoyable morning with him last year sampling many vintages) brought with him a blend of classic French winemaking skills and experience of New World techniques. As well as hiring Carrier, the Quinns brought well known Bordeaux winemaking consultant, Hubert de Bouärd, on board in 2006. Hubert is no stranger to us as we have been buying his Saint Emilion estate wine, Château Angélus since 2000. In addition, Hubert was the technical director behind our very own wine, Château Tour de Sarrail.

Stuart McCloskey.

Region

Bordeaux is not only the most famous wine producing region in France but in the world, with the most prestigious châteaux and wines in the industry. Its history dates back to the Roman times and today is the largest producing region of fine wines. Vineyards in Bordeaux are known by châteaux and therefore the name of each individual château is an important brand.

Many top wines are sold ‘En Primeur’ meaning that they are sold in the barrel prior to bottling. Almost 90% of the wine produced in Bordeaux is red (called ‘Claret’ in the UK) from over 8,500 producers. The main reason for the success of the wine production in Bordeaux is the perfect combination of climate, with long hours of sunshine ideal for ripening the grapes and well-draining gravel soil. Appellations are an important part of the Bordeaux culture and the region has 54 appellations recognized by the AOC, the Appellation d’Origine Controlle.

Glassware

Riedel Veritas Riesling / Zinfandel (2 Glasses)

Enjoy your favourite wine the way it was meant to taste with these wonderful lead crystal creations from Riedel, which are shaped according to the character of the wine in order to enhance its rich, aromatic flavours.